First time building, I need a $500 build?

[Reverden]

Hi, I'm ReVerden and my computer is a bit old. So I was about to spend +$1000 on a new computer, but realized you could build one yourself! (uh, duh) So, I spent a few hours online, and I don't get anything... One bit. So I thought some PC building experts could help me out here.

My budget is $700, but I really wanna get around $500 (money doesn't grow on trees). All I ask for the PC to do is maybe play SC2 or some Portal 2 without lag.

Now the thing is, I have no idea how to put together a computer. So it would be nice if someone could send me a manual or maybe explain step by step for me.

Also, will I need any other misc. stuff? Such as screwdrivers, nails, etc.?

 

[aznshinobi]

955 $120
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103808
Antec 650w $60 ($20 MIR Remember $60 is after promo: EMCKAHK22)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371044
Asrock Extreme4 970 $110
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157262
Lite-on DVD drive + Seagate 500GB $58
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.696127
Gigabyte 560 Ti $235 ($30 MIR + Free Game)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125363
Team 4GB DDR3 1333 $24
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820313102
Total: $607 before rebates.

Check out my build guide for more tips here:
http://www.squidoo.com/electronicandmore

 

[008Rohit]

Hi, welcome to the forums.

Are you a casual gamer or a hardcore one? What will you do with the PC? gaming/video editing/web browsing/office work?

The below build is good for gaming and everyday tasks :

Processor : Intel Core i3 2100 - $125
Motherboard : ASRock H61M-U3S3 - $70
RAM : 2x4GB Gskill Value Series DDR3 1333 - $40
Storage : Seagate Barracuda 500GB SATA 6.0GB/s - $40
Graphics : HIS H685FN1GD Radeon HD 6850 1GB - $150
Power Supply : Corsair CX430 V2 - $45
Case : Xigmatek ASGARD II - $30

Total : $500 before rebates

 

[Reverden]

Hi Rohit, yes I am a newcomer to the forums. I'm more of a casual gamer, I don't play games like Black Ops or Crisis, I'm a little bit below those games, such as SC2, Portal, Half-Life and whatnot.

Anyways, that build looks like it will be for me. But, just a thought, will it be an energy saver? I mean, will it hog all of my electricity? >.>

Btw, which OS should I go with Win Vista 32 bit or Win7 32 bit?

 

[008Rohit]

1. No, It'll draw maximum about 200-220W under full load.
100W avg.

2. Win7 64bit. 32bit OS doesn't recognise more than 4GBs of RAM.

 

[Reverden]

Oh, well then... Thanks for the info, also is a "thermal paste" needed when putting the CPU in the motherboard? I've seen people on youtube put in the CPU, put a bit of the paste on the CPU, then put on the fan.

 

[008Rohit]

No, that comes pre-applied on the heatsink.